This year’s festival attracted a remarkable 4,444 unique votes and 12,132 total votes—a 47% increase from last year—showcasing the growing enthusiasm for this festive tradition, which will return in November 2025.
The 2024 winners are:
- 1st Place: Slimming World Milton Keynes with Jane, supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK – 1,845 Votes (£1,750 prize)
- 2nd Place: Probadge Limited, supporting Medical Detection Dogs – 1,350 Votes (£1,050 prize)
- 3rd Place: Samaritans Milton Keynes, supporting Samaritans Milton Keynes – 1,078 Votes (£700 prize)
The winners were presented with their awards on Thursday, January 9, in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the community.
Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, expressed her delight at this year’s event:
“The response to this year’s Christmas Tree Festival has been extraordinary. We saw a significant increase in votes and heard many heartwarming stories from shoppers inspired by the creativity and causes represented. A heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors, participants, and visitors who made this festival a true highlight of the season. Your support reflects the spirit of Christmas perfectly.”
Jane Hammonds from Slimming World Milton Keynes, winners of first place, shared her excitement:
“We’re thrilled to have taken part in this year’s festival and overjoyed to win for our chosen charity, Alzheimer’s Research UK. This prize will support further research into finding a cure for this devastating disease.”
Kathy Lewis from Probadge, supporting Medical Detection Dogs, added:
“It has been wonderful to participate in this community event. The festival has helped raise our profile during the busiest time of year, and we’re delighted to have placed second. Congratulations to all the entrants for their fantastic festive spirit!”
Clair Roberts from Samaritans Milton Keynes, third-place winners, emphasized the impact of the festival:
“Being part of this amazing competition has been a great opportunity for us to share our mission. This recognition helps us save lives and support those in their darkest moments.”
This year’s festival featured 14 stunningly decorated trees sponsored by local businesses and organisations, each supporting a cause close to their hearts.
Participating sponsors included:
- Tickford Security Systems Limited, supporting Milton Keynes Safety Centre
- Slimming World Milton Keynes with Jane, supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK
- Samaritans (Milton Keynes), supporting themselves
- Brian Currie (Milton Keynes) Limited, supporting Pancreatic Cancer
- GXO Logistics UK Limited, supporting Milton Keynes Hospital Charity
- Franklins Solicitors LLP, supporting YMCA Milton Keynes
- Brinnick Locksmiths and Security Limited, supporting MS Society Milton Keynes
- Ridgeway Centre Conferencing, supporting MK-ACT
- Shakespeare Martineau LLP, supporting Camphill MK
- Incentivesmart, supporting Willen Hospice
- Blossom Room, supporting Emily’s Star
- Probadge Limited, supporting Medical Detection Dogs
- Hays Travel, supporting MK Food Bank
- On It Foundation, supporting 5 On It Foundation
The Midsummer Place Christmas Tree Festival continues to bring the community together while shining a spotlight on meaningful local causes. Save the date for November 2025.
